The ambitious Ligue 2 leaders are vying for a return to the French top flight following their shock relegation in 2011 and, bankrolled by billionaire Dimitry Rybolovlev, are already making ambitious plans for next season which involve a double raid on the Premier League champions.

The Russian businessman, ranked the 93rd richest man in the world, is determined to put the former Champions League finalists back on the football map and rival the supremacy of fellow big spenders Paris Saint-Germain.

Monaco unsuccessfully attempted to lure Roberto Mancini to the principality last summer despite the offer of a €8.2 million-a-year contract but are more confident of prising Tevez and Nasri, both of whom are no longer automatic starters at the Etihad Stadium.

Rybolovlev’s fortunes render Monaco one of the few clubs in Europe who could comfortably match Tevez’s €234,000-a-week salary, while the ability to offer tax free salaries would also aid their attempts to prise two of City’s highest earners.

Tevez, 28, who has one year remaining on his current deal, has slipped behind Edin Dzeko in Mancini’s pecking order and spoke openly last month about his intention not to renew his current deal.

In an interview in Argentina, Tevez said: “I’ve got a year left on my contract at Manchester City and they want me to sign for two more seasons.

“I would prefer to return home, but it is very difficult because City won’t let me leave for nothing.

“I will stay in Europe for another two years and then go back.”

Tevez was absent from City’s 3-1 defeat at Southampton on Saturday that left their hopes of retaining their Premier League title in ruins, while after another subdued performance Nasri was substituted after 56 minutes.